Who Provides Accreditation for Nursing Schools?

There are a few different organizations that provide accreditation for nursing schools. They range from organizations that focus on degree programs to groups that accredit sponsors of continuing education programs.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits degree-granting nursing schools and nursing school programs (such as those at community colleges). The AACN's members include most of the schools of nursing in the United States.

National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission

• The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission provides accreditation to degree-granting schools as well as specializing nurse training programs (such as certificate programs). NLNAC's members and constituents are mostly two-year schools and regional four-year schools of nursing.

American Nurses Credentialing Center

• The American Nurses Credentialing Center is a part of the American Nurses Association, and as such is the largest certification body in nursing. The ANCC focuses on accrediting continuing education programs -- those nursing school programs (or programs at other organizations) that offer continuing education credits for nurses who wish to stay current on nursing practice.

Types of Programs Available

• For degree-granting institutions, accreditation covers the training and curricula for associate's, baccalaureate, master's and doctorate programs, as well as specialized training certificate programs. The ANCC accredits institutions that offer continuing nursing education, which could take the form of classes, conferences, workshops, online learning or workbooks.

Where Does the Power to Accredit Come From?

• There are a few organizations that offer the ability to accredit schools, but the two largest and most recognized are the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Administration. They both regularly review the accrediting bodies to ensure quality standards and management.